Insulated shipping containers modified for high-yield plant production capable in any environment

ABSTRACT

A system and method for generating high-yield plant production is disclosed. The system includes a container, a growing station, and a monitoring system. The growing station includes vertical racks, a lighting system, an irrigation system, a climate control system, and a ventilation system. The monitoring system monitors all of the systems in the growing station, as well as the environment within the container, to provide real-time data and alerts to a user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/666,354, filed on Jun. 29, 2012,which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to insulated modular containers modifiedfor high-yield plant production.

2. Description of Related Art

The need for fresh food is growing as the population increases andchanges in the climate impact growing seasons. The current food supplymodel is economically and environmentally unsustainable because oftraditional farming methods and shipping. Operations are usually locatedin agricultural areas, which still require transportation to distributetheir produce. These types of operations require large upfront costs andrely on larger acreage, and have high operational costs from seed tosale. For example, sending fresh food an average of 1500 miles isextremely complicated and adds major expense to a customer's supplychain.

Urban/local agriculture is not the solution as it has the problem ofcommercial viability. First, there is limited growing space to meet ahigh demand. Second, high start-up costs of greenhouses and rooftopgreenhouses make local crop production impossible for most businesses.For example, structures must be evaluated by structural engineers andoften require additional bracing to support the weight. Operationalcosts of commercial agriculture also require additional labor andinfrastructural costs. Third, urban gardens must survey and addresscontaminated soil which is further costly and time consuming. Offsiteoperations require additional labor and supplies to reach the samevolume, and re-packaging and shipping is an added operating cost.

Hydroponics systems are not the general solution either as most systemsare meant to be installed in agricultural settings, are not easilytransportable, and require years of education and training.

SUMMARY

A system and method for generating high-yield plant. The system includesat least one modular container, a growing system housed within thecontainer, and a monitoring system. The growing system includes agermination station for nurturing seeds until they germinate intoplants, a plurality of vertical racks to hold the plants so that theygrow radially outward from the axes of the vertical racks, a lightingsystem to provide artificial light for the plants, an irrigation systemto provide nutrients to the plants, a climate control system to controlthe environmental conditions within the container, and a ventilationsystem for providing airflow to the plants in at least two directions.The monitoring system is coupled to the growing system, and monitors andcontrols at least one of the components of the growing system. Themonitoring system also allows the user to control at least one of thecomponents of the growing system.

Further, the system of the present disclosure is configured to include awireless interface that allows a user to remotely monitor and controlany of the components in the growing system or container.

Yet further, the system of the present disclosure is configured toinclude horizontal light bars mounted on at least one wire from theceiling of the container.

The system of the present disclosure is configured to include a firstset of tubing that delivers nutrient solution from a nutrient reservoirto a section of vertical racks, a second set of tubing that delivers thenutrient solution from the section to each vertical rack in the section,drip emitters coupled to the end of the second set of tubing to controlflow of the nutrient solution into each rack, and a plurality of returngutters to collect any unused nutrient solution and return it back tothe nutrient reservoir.

Yet further, the system of the present disclosure includes a pluralityof fans, a plurality of intermittent fans, and a plurality of air ventsto create air flow in at least two different directions in order tocreate random air flow patterns for the plants.

The system of the present disclosure also allows the monitoring systemto change in real-time at least one condition from a set of conditionscontrolling the germination station, irrigation system, climate controlsystem, ventilation system, and lighting system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will further be described by way of example andwith reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the outside of an illustrativecontainer according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the illustrative growing systeminside the container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows another perspective view of the illustrative growing systeminside the container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a front elevational view of the illustrative racks shown inFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the illustrative ventilation systemin the container.

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative system diagram of the monitoring system.

FIG. 7 shows a front elevational view of the illustrative monitoringsystem.

FIG. 8 shows illustrative data that can be stored in the control systemin an embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative flow diagram of the process for growingplants in an embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the illustrative germinationstation.

FIG. 11 shows a front elevational view of the illustrative growingsystem shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the illustrative irrigation system.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the illustrative ventilation systemshown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 14 shows a top level view of another embodiment of the illustrativelighting system.

FIG. 15 shows a front elevational view of the illustrative lightingsystem in FIG. 14.

FIGS. 16A-16B show examples of data that can be remotely monitored andcontrolled via the illustrative monitoring system, all according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 17A-17F show examples of additional data that can be remotelymonitored and controlled via the illustrative monitoring system, allaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 shows a schematic view of the illustrative irrigation systemaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of theillustrative ventilation system.

DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for modifyinga modular container for high-yield plant production. In one embodiment,a hydroponic system can expand to fit any space, and be subsequentlystarted and operated by an individual with minimal training. Anotherembodiment allows the user to monitor and modify the environment andfeeding conditions in order to provide optimal growth conditions for thespecific type of plant being grown.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the outside of illustrative container100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In anotherembodiment, container 100 can also include a water reclamation system(not shown). Container 100 can be a recycled shipping container 102 withstandard transnational grade intermodal perishable food-grade insulationfoam sandwiched between the steel walls of container 102. Container 102is also sealed in order to create a solid modular frame for expansion,as well as a controlled growing environment for plants.

In some embodiments, container 102 can be modified to include a solararray 104 to harness solar energy and store it in a converter orbatteries for later use. One of ordinary skill in the art wouldrecognize that other energy efficient solutions, such as insulationpaint or planting additional crops on top of and around container 102,can also be incorporated into container 102 to make it even more energyefficient. Other renewable energy technologies, such as forms of solarand wind power, could also be added to increase functionality. All ofthese components can be relocated within the unit, outside the unit, ontop of the unit, or next to the unit, to increase space, efficiency,and/or ease of access.

FIGS. 2-3 show perspective views of a growing system inside thecontainer in FIG. 1 according to some embodiments of the disclosure. Insome embodiments, growing system 200 can include germination station202, climate control system 204, LED lighting system 206, fan 209,vertical racks 304, and an irrigation system 1800 (FIG. 18). Germinationstation 202 includes preparation section 210 and nutrient section 212.Referring to FIG. 10, germination station 202 is shown in more detail.Preparation section 210 is configured to hold trays 1002 while they areloaded with a medium 1008 that is optimal for seed germination, such asrockwool cubes. In other embodiments of the disclosure, medium 1008includes an organic substance such as peat, pine bark, sawdust, and ricehulls. In yet other embodiments of the disclosure, medium 1008 includesa petroleum-based substance such as polymeric foams or plastic beads. Inother embodiments, medium 1008 includes inorganic substances that aremineral-based, such as sand, gravel and perlite. One of ordinary skillin the art would recognize that almost any material that supports a rootsystem, other than soil, can be considered a suitable material formedium 1008.

Once the seeds have been placed in medium 1008, tray 1002 is placed innutrient section 212 until the seeds have germinated. FIG. 10 showstrays 1004 and 1006 placed in nutrient section 212. Tray 1004 includesseeds that have germinated into plants while tray 1006 includes seedsthat have just been placed into medium 1008 and have not yet germinated.Nutrient section 212 provides an optimal environment for seedgermination by providing light and water/nutrients via irrigation tubes1010. In some embodiments, germination station 202 utilizes the sametype of irrigation system and lighting system that will be discussedlater for plants held in vertical racks 304.

FIG. 4 shows a front elevational view of the illustrative racks shown inFIG. 3. Vertical racks 304 can include grow channel 402, grow medium404, and plants 406. When the seeds have germinated into plants 406,they are taken out of nutrient section 212, placed into grow channel 402and packed in with grow medium 404. In some embodiments, grow medium 404is ZIPGROW™ medium (Bright Agrotech LLC, Laramie, Wyo.), which is areusable synthetic mesh/sponge that slides into grow channel 402 as twohalves that come together as they are pulled into grow channel 402. Growmedium 404 is configured to hold the root system of the plants in place.

Vertical racks 304 can be placed in any configuration within container102 and are configured to hold grow channels 402 in place. Grow channel402 is removably mounted into vertical rack 304 so that grow channel 402can be easily removed, replanted, harvested and otherwise worked onwithout screwing/unscrewing, clipping/unclipping or otherwise changingany parts. In some embodiments, grow channels 402 can be ZIPGROW™ growchannels (Bright Agrotech LLC, Laramie, Wyo.), which utilize verticalhydroponic/aquaponic PVC-constructed channels. However, one of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize that other grow channels could be used.Each grow channel 402 includes an exterior part and an interior part.The exterior part can hang from ceiling 302 of container 102 forexample, by using a pin. The interior part is similarly hung fromceiling 302 of container 102, and can be mounted on an L-shaped bracketthat is coupled to ceiling 302. The bottom of both the interior andexterior channels sit in a return channel (not shown) mounted on thefloor of container 102. In an exemplary configuration, grow channels 402are hung vertically in racks 304, side by side, in four rows. In thisexemplary configuration, two rows are on the left side and two rows areon the right side, with the open plant growth channels facing in towardeach other where the LED lighting system 206 is located. The verticalconfiguration of racks 304 is more space efficient than horizontalracks. For example, in some embodiments of the disclosure, 12-20 plantscan be placed in one vertical rack spanning from the floor to theceiling, and these plants would only need five lights and a singleirrigation tube. Furthermore, the vertical configuration of racks 304eliminates standing water and maintains a high flow rate in order toprevent most problems that are currently associated with commercialhydroponics, such as algae growth, bacteria growth, and irrigationclogging.

The combined configuration of racks 304 and plants 404 also providesadvantages. In embodiments of the disclosure, plants 404 are placed invertical racks 304 so that plants 404 grow radially outward from theaxes of racks 304. This configuration provides several advantages overthe traditional tray or shelf grow model where plants are simply placedwithin a horizontal tray or on a horizontal shelf. For example, thetraditional tray/shelf configuration causes large areas of uncontrolledstanding water. Not only is this not ideal, but it also allows formassive evaporation and requires additional equipment to controlhumidity. The traditional tray/shelf configuration also typicallyutilizes a low flow rate. However, a low flow rate encouragesalgae/bacteria growth and also requires the use of additional equipmentto aerate the solution in order to increase its oxygen content. A lowoxygen content level would otherwise stunt plant growth. In contrast,the configuration described in embodiments of the disclosure allow for asingle point of standing water (nutrient reservoir 1802) that iscontrolled, filtered and sterilized. By minimizing the exposed water,the configuration can eliminate evaporation and the need for largehumidity control equipment. The configuration allows for a high flowrate of solution, which minimizes any algae or bacteria growth andcreates a high level of oxygen for increased plant growth.

Furthermore, in the traditional tray/shelf system, the root system isconstantly exposed to flowing water, which can cause roots to rot whilealso preventing airflow through the root structure. The traditionaltray/shelf system also has limited space and is not flexible toaccommodate various sizes of plants, so smaller plants do notnecessarily utilize all of the space allocated to them or might getcrowded out by larger plants. In contrast, the configuration inembodiments of the disclosure where plants grow radially outward fromvertical racks allows plants to fight multiple stimuli (e.g., air,gravity, light) to create compact, strong stems with a robust andcompact root structure. Furthermore, the flexible plant spacing allowsfor a maximum number of plants per rack, no matter how large or smallthe plant.

The LED lighting system 206 is configured to provide artificial light ina controlled manner for the growth of the plants. In the someembodiments, LED lighting system 206 can utilize five foot long PHILIPS(Amsterdam, Netherlands) LED light bars of Deep Red/Blue 150 110 V growlights. In one configuration, the light bars are mounted horizontally ina back-to back configuration in two rows, one on each side in betweenthe rows of grow channels 402 that face each other, as shown in FIG. 3.In some embodiments, each section of the LED light bars can be mountedwith four back-to-back sets vertically and hung on wires 208. Eachsection of wire 208 can then be mounted onto a rotating motor on ceiling302 to pull LED lighting system 206 up and out of the way (like a windowshade) for access to the grow channels 402 for removal and work. LEDlighting system 206 is further configured to be controlled separately sothat lighting in each section of the growing station can be turned on oroff, dimmed, or lifted up or down. FIG. 11 shows a front elevationalview of the illustrative growing system shown in FIG. 2. Specifically,FIG. 11 shows the exemplary back-to-back sets of LED lighting system206, hung on wires 208, in between sections of vertical racks 304. Theconfiguration of LED lighting system 206 maximizes space efficiency byusing less equipment while simultaneously maximizing the plants'exposure to lights at the right wavelength and spectrum. By maximizingspace efficiency, growing system 200 can achieve high plant yields whilemaintaining relatively low costs and a size that can still fit a modularshipping container. FIG. 11 also shows plants 406 growing radiallyoutward from the grow channels (not shown), which are being held byracks 304.

In other embodiments of the disclosure, and as shown in FIGS. 14-15, LEDlighting system 206 can utilize light curtain system 1400 comprisingeight foot long PHILIPS (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Interlighting Strips1402. Strips 1402 preferably comprise LED diodes inside a waterproofcoating. In an embodiment of the disclosure, conversion box 1404 iscoupled to ceiling 302 of container 102, and strips 1402 are coupled toconversion box 1404 so that they hang downward toward the floor ofcontainer 102. Strips 1402 can be joined together, or they can hang withpredetermined spacing between each other in order to disperse lightthrough plants 406. There are multiple advantages to using theconfiguration of light curtain system 1400 which cannot be utilized inother lighting systems. For example, light curtain system 1400 can beused in multiple orientations and can be easily modified for differentstages in plant growth and/or for different types of plants being grownin a particular space. This flexibility allows for a more efficient workand grow space, and increases the variety of crops that can be grown.For example, such a configuration eliminates the need for wires,pulleys, or bulking infrastructure that is otherwise necessary for alighting system. In some embodiments of the disclosure, each strip 1402hangs freely, can be pushed aside like a bead curtain, and can be easilyremoved and/or replaced with a simple watertight twist-lock so that anelectrician is not needed. In some embodiments of the disclosure, strips1402 can be upgraded/replaced/changed with new strips with better diodesor diodes that that allow for different spectrums of light based on thecrop being grown. Another advantage of light curtain system 1400 is thatconversion box 1404 allows for central conversion of AC to DC power.There is electrical waste each time current is converted from AC to DC,so a single point of conversion increases efficiency of the system.Furthermore, a single point of conversion at conversion box 1404 canallow for increased control of each section so that the lights can beturned up or down to accommodate the stage or type of growth of plantsin a particular section.

In some embodiments, irrigation system 1800 is used to deliver awater/nutrient solution to the plants. FIG. 12 shows a perspective viewand FIG. 18 shows a schematic view of the illustrative irrigation system1800. Irrigation system 1800 can include nutrient reservoir 1802,nutrient doser (not shown), first set of tubing 1202, second set oftubing 1204, a pump (not shown), drip emitters (not shown), and returngutters 1804. In some embodiments, nutrient reservoir 1802 can be a 330gallon tank with a reverse osmosis filter. Nutrient reservoir 1802 canbe coupled to a nutrient doser (not shown), which controls the flow ofnutrients into nutrient reservoir 1802 in order to maintain specificnutrient levels prescribed by the user.

The nutrient doser (not shown) is programmable to provide differentlevels and types of nutrients depending on the type of plant being grownfor optimal growth. The nutrient doser (not shown) can control all typesof nutrients, such as, for example, phosphates, nitrates, traceminerals. The nutrient doser (not shown) can also be configured tocontrol and maintain characteristics of the water/nutrient solution suchas pH and acidity based on prescribed levels by the user. In someembodiments of the disclosure, the nutrient doser (not shown) isconfigured to use a simple one-part nutrient solution, while giving moreadvanced users the option to experiment with additives and traceminerals based on desired characteristics of plant growth and taste.

Irrigation system 1800 can also include a first set and second set oftubing 1202 and 1204 for delivery of water/nutrient solution to growchannels 402 in racks 304. First set of tubing 1202 can be one-half inchtubing coupled to ceiling 302 of container 102, and can carrywater/nutrient solution from nutrient reservoir 1802 to each section ofgrow channels 402. Second set of tubing 1204 can be one-quarter inchtubing that carries water/nutrient solution from each section of growchannels 402 to each individual grow channel 402 in rack 304. The sizesof the tubing are exemplary only and can be modified and adjusted by oneof ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in theart would recognize that one set of tubing, or more than two sets oftubing, could be used as well. A pump (not shown) can be utilized at thepoint of origin at nutrient reservoir 1802 to regulate the rate ofwater/nutrient flow through first set of tubing 1202. Drip emitters (notshown) may also be affixed to the ends of the second set of tubing 1204to control the water/nutrient flow at the point of release into eachgrow channel 402.

In some embodiments, return gutters 1804 are utilized to catch unusedwater/nutrient solution that flows through grow channel 402 and returnit to nutrient reservoir 1802. Return gutters 1804 can be coupled to thefloor of the container 102 and can be positioned beneath and/orintegrated with the terminating section of grow channel 402. In someembodiments, the collected unused water/nutrient solution flows downhillthrough return gutters 1804 and back into nutrient reservoir 1802.Alternatively, a collection point/return tank can accumulate the unusednutrient solution and utilize a pump to transport the solution back tothe reservoir.

In order to control the internal environment of container 102, thehydroponic system can include climate control system 204 (FIG. 2) thatcan measure and control humidity, carbon dioxide levels, temperature,and other related environmental factors.

In some embodiments, the hydroponic system also can include aventilation system having a main fan and a plurality of intermittentfans. FIGS. 5 and 13 show perspective views of a ventilation systemaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The ventilationsystem can include main fans 502, intermittent fans 1302, and air vents504. External air is taken in by main fans 502 at one end of container102, is pushed through container 102 via intermittent fans 1302, andthen exhausted from container 102 at the opposite end. Intake air ispreferable run through several High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)charcoal filters at main fans 502 and exhaust air is preferably runthrough micro screen charcoal filters. In some embodiments, ventilationsystem utilizes additional air vents 504 coupled to ceiling 302 ofcontainer 102 to create a dual airflow system. Current greenhousesolutions, such as direct fans, indirect fans, and massventilation/exhaust systems were tested, but all were inferior to thedual airflow system in the present disclosure. The dual airflow systemis generated from the vertical air flow from vents 504 and horizontalair flow from main fans 502 and intermittent fans 1302. In otherembodiments of the disclosure, additional fans and/or vents arepositioned in or on the floor of container 102 to blow air verticallyfrom the ground up between rows of racks 304. Providing air flow in morethan one direction is preferable in order to further create actualconditions that plants would encounter outdoors. Furthermore, thechaotic and random air flow patterns that are generated stimulate theplants and force them to grow stronger and denser stems and leaves. Thedual airflow system is not possible with traditional horizontal racksystems because the racks would block the vertical flow of air and eachrack would need its own fan/airflow source. In contrast, in embodimentsof the disclosure, the vertical configuration of the racks along withthe added vertical flow of air allows for air flow through the plantstems and maintains a constant flow throughout dense vegetation.Furthermore, the added vertical air flow, on top of the existinghorizontal air flow, directly cools lighting while also providing anideal level of stress to the plants, creating stronger cell walls in theplants. Stronger cell walls allow for a stronger root structure, whichcan support the growth of larger plants.

In another embodiment of the disclosure shown in FIG. 19, theventilation system can also include tube 1902, which spans along thefloor of container 102 in any direction. In one embodiment of thedisclosure, tube 1902 is positioned between, and is parallel to, gutters1804. Tube 1902 includes end 1904, which is configured to receive a fanunit (not shown), as well as perforations (not shown) along the lengthof tube 1902. When the fan unit (not shown) is turned on, air iscirculated along the length of tube 1902, and is released upward throughthe perforations (not shown) along tube 1902 as an alternative oradditional vertical air source. One of ordinary skill in the art wouldrecognize that air can flow vertically from either the ceiling to thefloor, or from the floor to the ceiling, of container 102. One ofordinary skill in the art would also recognize that air flow in thehorizontal and vertical directions is just an example and the embodimentis not limited to only two directions, nor is it limited to those twoparticular directions.

In some embodiments, the components in container 102 can be coupled tomonitoring system 600. FIG. 6 shows an illustrative system diagram ofmonitoring system 600 and FIG. 7 shows a front elevational view ofmonitoring system 600. Monitoring system 600 can include control center602, CPU interface 604, and wireless interface 606 to allow user 608 toaccess the system remotely. Control center 602 preferably monitors andcontrols all of the components based on specifications set by user 608.For example, control center 602 can monitor climate control system 204and change humidity, carbon dioxide levels, temperature, and otherfactors in order to remain within user-specified measurements. Inanother example, control center 602 is coupled to LED lighting system206 to control lighting based on various factors, such as time of day.In yet another example, control center 602 is coupled to irrigationsystem 1800 to ensure that the proper nutrient concentration for aspecific crop is being maintained in nutrient reservoir 1802. Controlcenter 602 can also monitor and control the amount of solution beingdripped onto specific sections of grow channels 402, or specific growchannels 402 themselves. In yet another example, control center 602 canbe coupled to the ventilation system to ensure the proper airflow isbeing maintained for various sections of plants. The above are justillustrative examples of components that can be monitored and controlledin order to ensure maintenance of optimal growing conditions specifiedby the user.

CPU interface 604 allows user 608 to have direct access to controlcenter 602, and wireless interface 606 allows user 608 to have remoteaccess to control center 602. Either connection allows user 608 tomodify any pre-set levels, override pre-set levels, or simply monitoractivity in container 102. Wireless interface 606 allows for controlcenter 602 to provide remote alerts to user 608, giving user 608 theability to change or override any preset characteristics. Referring toFIG. 8, an example of data 800 available to user 608 is shown. Forexample, available data 800 includes summary data 802 and input protocoldata 804. Summary data 802 can provide user 608 with data onenvironmental conditions and plant growth. Input protocol data 804 ismore flexible, and allows user 608 to input data to change environmentalconditions or component performance.

FIGS. 16-17 show examples of the types of data that can be remotelymonitored and controlled via monitoring system 600. For example, FIG.16A illustrates various vent cycle characteristics 1601 that can beremotely set and modified with respect to the vents in an embodiment ofthe disclosure. FIG. 16B shows examples of various systems that can beremotely monitored and controlled. As shown in FIG. 16B, when a systemis selected, an exemplary set of icons 1602, 1604, 1606, pertaining tothe selected system are displayed. For example, if the tank pump systemis selected, an embodiment of monitoring system 1600 might displayrelationship icon 1602, cycle icon 1604, and alarm icon 1606.Relationship icon 1602 describes the relationship that has been set upto determine what conditions should occur for a corresponding action tobe triggered. Cycle icon 1604 allows the user to specify the number orfrequency of cycles to run a particular system. Alarm icon 1606 allowsthe user to specify the scenarios for which monitoring system 600 shouldalert the user for a particular system. FIGS. 17A-F illustratescreenshots of various other types of remote monitoring that can beutilized by the user. FIG. 17A shows a screen shot of exemplary air andwater data that can be reported to the user. Such data can include airtemperature 1702, air flow 1704, carbon dioxide levels 1706, watertemperature 1708, pH level 1710, and nutrient conductivity 1712. 17Bshows a live video feed 1714 of sweet basil plants. Monitoring system600 can also provide video feeds of other zones of crops being grown incontainer 102 in order to allow a user to monitor different zones ofdifferent crops or different zones of the same crop. FIG. 17C shows anexample of alarm function 1716 in monitoring system 600. In thisexample, the user has configured alarm function 1716 to notify the userwhen the air temperature has exceeded 82 degrees F. or has dropped below64 degrees F. FIG. 17D illustrates additional systems 1718 that can beremotely monitored and controlled, FIG. 17E shows systems 1720 that canbe monitored by cycles, and 17F shows an example of the controls 1722for setting cycles for a particular system.

In another embodiment, the wireless connection in wireless interface 606allows for an additional party, such as off-site harvest expert orhydroponics expert 610, to communicate with user 608 and review all ofthe data and conditions that are available to user 608.

One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the monitoringsystem could monitor, control, and change any additional components thataffect the environment or feeding conditions. In order to maintainconditions or provide alerts, control center 602 can include algorithmsrelating to environmental conditions prescribed by the user. In oneembodiment, control center 602 utilizes a series of if-thenrelationships to maintain optimal conditions. For example, if humiditywithin container 102 falls below a set limit, for example, 60%, thencontrol center 602 activates the humidifier until the humidity levelstabilizes. In another example, if the temperature within container 102rises above a set limit, for example, 85 degrees F. or falls below a setlimit, for example, 66 degrees F., then control center 602 activatesclimate control system 204 until the temperature stabilizes. Monitoringsystem 600 can also be configured to capture visual records of plantgrowth, and record and report all data points for conditions that themonitoring system controls. The system may also be configured to issuealerts based on the if-then relationships described above to alert theuser of system failures, changes in conditions, or other variations fromlevels prescribed by the user. All of these variables can be changedbased on the crop desired and the optimal environmental and feedingconditions for that crop.

In one embodiment, assembly of the hydroponic unit starts with obtaininga new or used insulated shipping container 102 that implements vents oneach door and preferably has vents on each wall. In one example, thereis an average of one vent per ten feet. An electrical panel, such as a200 amp, 240 volt panel, can be coupled to one of the walls of container102 for power. A Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unitor other climate control unit 204 and main fan 502 can also be coupledto one of the walls of container 102. Intermittent fans 1302 can beinstalled every ten to twenty feet to allow for proper air circulation.

Racks 304 for the growing system can then be installed within container102, followed by grow channels 402. Grow channels 402 and racks 304 canbe configured vertically in order to increase plant yield and improveusability. However, the grow channels 402 and racks 402 can be moved,changed and/or reconfigured to increase the efficiency of the interiorspace. Once these systems are assembled, they are connected to thenutrient reservoirs 1802, dosers (not shown), and other components ofthe irrigation system. The LED lighting system 206 is then set up at aproper distance from the growing system to allow for optimum conditionsfor plant production. Climate control system 204 and monitoring system600 can then be installed within container 102 to ensure that all of thenecessary components are being controlled and monitored. Cameras canalso be installed and connected to the CPU to ensure that a live feed ortime-lapse pictures can be provided to a remote user.

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative flow diagram of the process 900 for growingplants in an embodiment of the invention. In step 902, seeds are placedinto germination medium 1008 and provided with nutrients for a specifiedduration of time until they have germinated into plants. In step 904,the plants are removed from germination medium 1008. In steps 906-908,the plants are packed into the grow medium 404 and placed in growchannels 402. In step 910, grow channels 402 are coupled into verticalracks 304 so that the plants grow radially outward from the axes ofvertical racks 304. In step 912, the user programs control center 602with specific environmental conditions to be monitoring and maintained.In steps 914-920, control center 602 drives exemplary environmentalfactors, such as temperature, humidity, lighting, nutrients/water, andairflow so that they are all within levels prescribed by the user. Oncethe plants have either spent a specified duration of time in racks 304or grown to a specified size, they are then removed from racks 304 andgrow channels 402 in step 922.

The hydroponic system can be configured to produce all plants other thancrops that are grown for their edible roots, i.e., root crops. Forexample, the hydroponic system can produce: all types of lettuce; alltypes of herbs such as basil, oregano, mint, parsley, rosemary, thyme,and chive; all types of leafy greens such as kale, chard, spinach andarugula; all vine crops such as strawberries, tomatoes, and peppers;cucumbers; and mushrooms. One of ordinary skill in the art wouldrecognize that these are just examples of non-root crops, and thedisclosure is not meant to be limited to these exemplary crops only. Thehydroponic system can also be configured to utilize fish tanks in orderto raise various forms of seafood, such as fish, shrimp and lobsters.

The disclosed system can provide a high efficiency output as plants canbe harvested and new plants can begin the cycle all in the same space atthe same time. In one example of an embodiment, one acre of thedisclosed hydroponic system provides a projected annual yield ofapproximately 5.4 million heads of lettuce while one acre of traditionalagricultural farming provides a projected annual yield of approximately30,000 heads of lettuce. In another example, one acre of the disclosedhydroponic system provides a projected annual yield of approximately 1.7million pounds of basil while one acre of traditional agriculturalfarming provides a projected annual yield of approximately 32,500 poundsof basil. In yet another example, 320 square feet of the disclosedhydroponic system provides a projected annual yield of approximately40,000 heads of lettuce while 320 square feet of traditional greenhousefarming provides a projected annual yield of approximately 6,800 headsof lettuce. Not only does the disclosed hydroponic system in theprevious examples provide a much higher annual yield of crops, but it isalso able to do so with fewer resources. For example, one acre of thedisclosed hydroponic system projects to utilize approximately 163,350gallons of water annually while one acre of traditional agriculturalfarming projects to utilize approximately 488,772 gallons of waterannually.

Although the above description describes embodiments of the invention,it should be understood that the techniques and concepts are applicableto growing systems in general. Thus the invention may be embodied inother specific forms without departing from the spirit or essentialcharacteristics thereof.

While the above describes a particular order of operations performed bya given embodiment of the invention, it should be understood that suchorder is exemplary, as alternative embodiments may perform theoperations in a different order, combine certain operations, overlapcertain operations, or the like. References in the specification to agiven embodiment indicate that the embodiment described may include aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodimentmay not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic.

While the present invention has been described in the context of amethod or process, the present invention also relates to apparatus forperforming the operations herein. This apparatus may be speciallyconstructed for the required purposes, or it may comprise ageneral-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by acomputer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may bestored in a computer readable storage medium including, withoutlimitation, any type of disk including optical disks, CD-ROMs, andmagnetic-optical disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory(RAM), magnetic or optical cards, or any type of media suitable forstoring electronic instructions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for generating high-yield plantproduction comprising: at least one modular container, at least onemodular container being configured to be integrated with a plurality ofother modular containers to expand the system horizontally or verticallyto fit a space; a growing system housed within the at least one modularcontainer, the growing system comprising: a germination stationconfigured to nurture a plurality of seeds until the seeds germinateinto a plurality of plants, a plurality of vertical racks coupled to aceiling of the at least one modular container and configured to hold theplants so that the plants grow radially outward from the axes of thevertical racks, a lighting system coupled to the ceiling of the at leastone modular container and configured to provide artificial light for theplants, an irrigation system configured to provide a nutrient solutionto the plants, a climate control system configured to controlenvironmental conditions inside the at least one modular container, anda ventilation system configured to provide the plants with airflow in atleast two different directions; a monitoring system coupled to thegrowing system, the monitoring system configured to monitor and controlat least one of the germination station, the irrigation system, theclimate control system, the ventilation system and the lighting systemin order to maintain and change a set of conditions prescribed by auser, and an access space within said at least one modular container foran operator to monitor or control at least one of the germinationsystem, the irrigation system, the climate control system, theventilation system, and the lighting system, or to access plants in theat least one modular container; wherein the monitoring system isconfigured to provide the user with real-time alerts from the growingsystem.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the monitoring system furthercomprises a control center, a CPU interface, and a wireless interface.3. The system of claim 2 wherein the monitoring system is configured toremotely provide the user with data on the growing system.
 4. The systemof claim 2 wherein the monitoring system is configured to allow the userto remotely control at least one of the irrigation system, the climatecontrol system, the ventilation system, and the lighting system.
 5. Thesystem of claim 2 wherein the wireless interface is configured toprovide a third party with data on the growing system.
 6. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the lighting system comprises a plurality of light barshorizontally mounted on at least one wire coupled to the ceiling of thecontainer.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the lighting systemcomprises a conversion box and a plurality of light strips, wherein theconversion box is coupled to the ceiling of the at least one modularcontainer, one end of each of the plurality of light strips is coupledto the conversion box, and the other end of each of the plurality oflight strips hangs downward.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein theirrigation system further comprises a nutrient reservoir, a first set oftubing, a second set of tubing, and at least one return gutter.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8 wherein the nutrient doser is configured to providedifferent amounts and types of nutrients.
 10. The system of claim 8wherein the first set of tubing delivers a nutrient solution from thenutrient reservoir to a section of the vertical racks, the second set oftubing delivers the nutrient solution from the section of the verticalracks to each individual vertical rack in the section, and the dripemitters are coupled to an end of the second set of tubing to controlflow of the nutrient solution into each vertical rack.
 11. The system ofclaim 8 wherein the at least one return gutter is configured to collectunused nutrient solution that has dripped down through the plurality ofvertical racks and transport the unused nutrient solution back to thenutrient reservoir.
 12. The system of claim 1 wherein the ventilationsystem further comprises a plurality of main fans, a plurality ofintermittent fans, and a plurality of air vents.
 13. The system of claim12 wherein the plurality of main fans, the plurality of intermittentfans, and the plurality of air vents provide air flow in at least twodirections in order to create random air flow patterns.
 14. The systemof claim 1 wherein the germination station comprises a preparationsection and a nutrient section, the nutrient section further comprisinga germination irrigation system.
 15. The system of claim 1 wherein thevertical racks include a plurality of grow channels.
 16. The system ofclaim 15 wherein each grow channel is configured to receive germinatedplants and to be removably mounted into one of the vertical racks.